Contrary to popular belief, foliage in Los Angeles does exist. Stretching from Los Feliz to Malibu, the Santa Monica Mountains offer more than 20 (yes, twenty) individual parks. There are hundreds of trails, nature preserves and views of the Pacific Ocean from mountain cliffs. Right along La Cienega, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area offers picnic sites, tot lots, fishing lake, lotus pond, a community center and five miles of trails. As students leave the classroom for the holidays, encourage them to explore their city, see waterfalls and embrace the great outdoors!

Is your kid the next Albert Einstein or Marie Curie? The Department of Astronomy and Physics at UCLA is hosting a free, dynamic and innovative day of events called “Exploring Your Universe 2011.” The family friendly event will have activities for all ages including workshops, planetarium shows, solar telescope viewing, comet making, weather tours, and dinosaur fossils. Topics for the activities highlight Stellar Evolution, Bottle Rockets, the Science Behind Optical Illusions and Constellation Detectives.

Is your kid a hipster? Are you an urban bohemian parent? Are you looking for an off the beaten path cultural and recreational activity this Saturday? Bring out your Polaroid camera, old-school sneakers and thick-rimmed glasses for the Folk Art Bike Ride in Historic South Central LA.

The Craft and Folk Art Museum is leading an exploration of art, neighborhoods and unique community gathering spots. The bike ride will journey through Historic South Central LA, which includes LA’s historic and underground jazz district and visit the African American Fire Fighter Museum. The event is free to everyone and RSVP is encouraged.

Each week, we will be highlighting a dynamic afterschool opportunity here in Los Angeles. These opportunities may be one-time events, ongoing classes or free camps to the public. One week may be a description about a Miles Davis Jazz class, the next post may be an exclusive screening for kids under the stars at LACMA or even a hyperlink to a free clinic with the Harlem Globetrotters.

If you want to stay posted about the best afterschool opportunities for kids in LA, click here!